Vehicle seat having an anti-submarining device and method

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to vehicle seat comprising a seat part and to a restraint device and a corresponding method of manufacture. The vehicle seat comprises an anti-submarining restraint device for preventing an occupant from slipping through on the vehicle seat when decelerated due to a crash, said restraint device being settable to a retracted inactive position and said restraint device being settable to an extended active position. The seat part, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, has lateral seat parts on both sides of the seat, a padding defining a seat area and a padding support ( 34 ) below said padding. The restraint device also comprises a tilting element ( 24 ) between the padding support and the padding and spaced apart from the lateral parts, said tilting element having at least one deformable element ( 24 ) as an energy dissipation element.

The present invention relates to a vehicle seat with a seat section and with a restraint device for preventing submarining of a passenger on the vehicle seat during an accident-induced deceleration, wherein the restraint device can be set in a retracted inactive position, and wherein the restraint device can be set in an extended active position, wherein the seat section has a padding, which defines a seat surface, and a padding support which is provided beneath the padding.

Such vehicle seats are generally known. For example, a motor vehicle seat with a seat surface on the surface of a padding is known from German laid-open specification DE 102 31 794 A1, wherein a seat pan is provided beneath the seat surface, and wherein between the seat pan and the seat surface of the seat section a U-shaped adjusting element is arranged, which in the case of a crash can be moved out from an initial position in such a way that the seat surface and the adjusting element counteract a forward displacement in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle of the pelvis of a person sitting on the seat surface. With this vehicle seat, the adjusting element is configured such that it can be plastically deformed by a force exerted by the user (in particular by a user's pelvis). This has the disadvantage that only a relatively small potential force transmission surface for retarding the user is provided, this being associated, in the event of a crash, with correspondingly high forces to be transmitted per surface area. Furthermore, the known vehicle seat has the disadvantage that for realizing an active restraint device for preventing submarining of a person sitting on the vehicle seat (a so-called anti-submarining restraint device), i.e. a restraint device which can be transferred from an inactive to an active extended position, it is provided as a rule that the restraint device, during assembly of the vehicle seat, must be connected to structural elements of the vehicle seat, such as seat side sections or a seat section frame or the like, as a result of which there is no modularity in the sense of the possibility of deciding only at a late stage of the seat production or of the seat completion whether the vehicle seat is to be equipped with a restraint device or not. In the case of known vehicle seats, therefore, a larger number of variants of the vehicle seat have to be taken into consideration over a larger part of the production chain of the vehicle seat, which altogether leads to higher cost in the case of logistics and production. A vehicle seat with a seat frame, a seat cushion and a seat cushion support is known from German laid-open specification DE 199 43 595 A1, wherein in the longitudinal direction an anti-submarining ramp is attached approximately in the middle of the seat padding support, extends to the front edge of the seat padding support and covers approximately the front half of the seat padding support. A normally folded-up airbag, which is inflated in the event of a crash, is provided between the ramp and the seat padding support, or is embedded in the ramp. However, an airbag of this type is comparatively expensive, and therefore the known vehicle seat is comparatively costly overall.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a vehicle seat with a restraint device for preventing submarining of a passenger on the vehicle seat in the case of an accident-induced deceleration, wherein the vehicle seat for one thing can be equipped with such a restraint device easily and simply with the least possible cost and as late as possible in the production chain of the vehicle seat, and wherein for another thing the restraint device is equipped in such a way that the surface pressure during the force transmission (in an accident situation) between a user and the restraint device is kept as small as possible.

The object is achieved by means of a vehicle seat with a seat section and with a restraint device for preventing submarining of a passenger on the vehicle seat, wherein the restraint device can be set in a retracted inactive position, and wherein the restraint device can be set in an extended active position, wherein the seat section, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, has side sections on both sides, wherein the seat section has a padding which defines a seat surface, and a padding support which is provided beneath the padding, and wherein in addition the restraint device has a positioning element between the padding support and the padding and also at a distance from the seat side sections, and an upper section between the positioning element and the padding, and wherein the positioning element and/or the upper section has/have at least one deformation element as the energy dissipation means. As a result of this, it is advantageously possible that for one thing the modularity of the restraint device is ensured, i.e. the possibility of deciding only at a late point in time in the production chain of the vehicle seat whether a specific vehicle seat is to be equipped with a restraint device according to the invention or not. For another thing, this is possible by the correct functionality of the restraint device being able to be ensured in an especially easy and safe manner, wherein, in particular, the surface pressure (i.e. the application of force per surface area) between body parts of a user on the vehicle seat (in particular the pelvis region) and the restraint device can be reduced within the course of an accident situation with the effect of reducing the maximum value. By varying the energy dissipation properties of the positioning element and/or of the upper section, it is advantageously possible, according to the present invention, to permit adaptation (application) to different types of vehicle particularly easily and cost-effectively. According to the invention, it is especially preferred if the restraint device has an actuating means, especially a pyrotechnic linear actuator and/or a reversibly operating actuator, wherein the actuating means is arranged between the padding support and the padding, or is supported between the padding support and the padding, wherein in particular an operation of the actuating means is already provided in terms of time before the existence of an accident-induced deceleration. In the case of supporting the actuating means between the padding support and the padding, the actuating means can partially also extend or be arranged beneath the padding support. Linear actuators are comparatively small and can be realized in a compact manner in terms of installation space, so that as a result of this the restraint device can be configured in an especially compact manner in terms of installation space and according to the invention the modularized installation method of the restraint device in the vehicle seat can be especially easily realized. In the sense of the present invention, a padding support is understood to be a single structural component or a multiplicity of structural components of the seat section, which are provided at least in the proximity of the padding which is possibly to be fastened later on the seat, and which retain or support the padding. For example a padding support which continues essentially over the entire seat surface, as an essentially universal cushion pan or seat pan is a possibility as a padding support in this case. Furthermore, according to the invention, for example a so-called split seat pan or divided seat pan is a possibility, in which such a split seat pan supports approximately the front half or only the front or rear approximately 20% or just 10% of the padding. Furthermore, structural elements such as tubular or open stiffening elements are also a possibility as part of the padding support. In the case of a padding support in the sense of the present invention this can also partially have an underspringing. According to the invention, for example a pyrotechnic linear actuator, also a reversibly operating actuating means, for example an electric motor-powered linear actuator, can be provided alternatively or cumulatively to an irreversibly operating actuating means and together with corresponding sensors (pre-crash sensors) which anticipate an accident, leads to a setting of the extended active position of the restraint device or to a setting of an intermediate position of the restraint device (between the inactive position and the active extended position) already before an accident occurrence in terms of time and therefore before the existence in terms of time of an accident-induced deceleration (i.e. a deceleration which is typical for an accident occurrence).

Furthermore, it is preferred if the restraint device has a positioning element which is movable by the actuating means, wherein the positioning element is adjustable by means of the actuating means from a retracted position which corresponds to the inactive position of the restraint device into an extended position which corresponds to the active position of the restraint device. As a result of this, it is possible that the positioning element can be optimized to the respective application case independently of the actuating means, for example with regard its compressibility (for example for energy dissipation during an accident situation), or also with regard to its dimensions which in their turn for example have an influence on the extension degree of the restraint device.

Furthermore, it is preferred that a rotation around an axis which extends essentially horizontally and especially transversely to the direction of the vehicle is provided between the retracted position and the extended position of the positioning element, wherein the positioning element is preferably provided as a plate-form positioning element, and wherein the rotation around the essentially horizontally extending axis is preferably provided as a rotation in the direction of travel. As a result of this, a plate can be used as the positioning element which extends essentially over the entire width of the restraint device which can preferably be installed in a modular manner, wherein the plate in the retracted position of the positioning element is arranged essentially parallel to the seat surface or parallel to the padding support, and in the extended position of the positioning element is arranged essentially perpendicularly to the seat surface or perpendicularly to the padding support. Between the positioning element and the padding of the seat section, according to the invention there is preferably the upper section in the form of a cover of the restraint device in the sense of an anti-submarining ramp. As a result of this, it is advantageously ensured that the body of the seat's occupant in the case of an accident situation (i.e. a negative acceleration or a deceleration, which exceeds a prespecified limiting value) exerts a force action upon the restraint device over the largest possible area so that the risk of injury of the seat's occupant is lessened. A particular advantage of a movement of the positioning element in the direction of the vehicle is that the force action of the actuating means, especially a pyrotechnic linear actuator, can be selected in such a way that the force action of the actuating means or its extension in any case is not directed in the direction of main body parts (especially in the direction of the pelvis or in the direction of the trunk) of the seat's occupant. As a result of this, the risk of injury is likewise reduced.

According to the invention, it is additionally preferred that a rotation at least of a part of the positioning element around an axis, which extends essentially vertically, is provided between the retracted position and the extended position of the positioning element, wherein the positioning element is preferably provided as a telescopically extendable positioning element with one or more extendable elements. As a result of this, it is advantageously possible that the positioning element can be realized in a compact type of construction, for example by means of cup-like components which telescopically inter-engage, and for realizing the extended position from the retracted position a rotational movement of at least one of the cup-like components around its center is carried out. In this case, a spirally designed pin-and-slot guide of the at least two cup-like components is preferably provided according to the invention for converting the rotational movement into an extending movement. For realizing a locking of such a positioning means, the pin-and-slot guide can be configured by means of for example an asymmetrical toothing in such a way that only a movement in the direction of the extending movement is possible. Alternatively to an exemplary pin-and-slot guide, in the case of the telescopically extendable variant of the positioning element it can also be provided according to the invention that for example two cup-like components inter-engage like a thread and by means of a rotation of one of these components relative to the other a positioning is brought about.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the positioning element and/or the upper section has/have a plurality of material zones of differing material, wherein different material zones have a different deformation behavior, or if the positioning element and/or the upper section is/are provided in an at least partially reversibly deformable manner, wherein the positioning element preferably has a shock absorber or a gas-pressure damper or a plurality of such elements. By this means, it is advantageously possible according to the invention for a different deformation behavior to be realized for accident situations of differing severity or forces of differing strength to be transmitted between the user of the vehicle seat and the vehicle seat. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageously possible according to the invention that, on account of a different, accident-induced loading situation of the positioning element or of the upper section caused by a certain seat position or caused by certain force transmission ratios because of the user's height, a deformation behavior of the restraint device, which deformation behavior is matched to the particular situation, takes place.

It is particularly preferred if the restraint device has a further deformation element. By this means, it is possible to even better coordinate the deformation response of the restraint device to a given accident situation.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the restraint device has a lower section and an upper section, wherein the lower section has fastening elements for connecting the restraint device to the padding support, or if the padding support has fastening elements for connecting the restraint device to the padding support. As a result of this, it is possible in a simple manner to create the connection between the restraint device and the padding support without expensive tools being required for it or without the task making high qualification demands. In this case, according to the invention a fastening by pushing on, or sliding on, or clipping, or adhesive fastening have proved to be especially preferable. Combinations of two or more such fastening possibilities can also be used, for example for securing a push-on connection or a slide-on connection. Alternatively to the embodiment variant of the restraint device with a lower section and an upper section, it can also be provided according to the invention that the functionality of the lower section (for example the provision of connecting points of levers or the like) is undertaken by the padding support (full integration of the lower section into the padding support) and that consequently the lower section can be saved so that the weight can be reduced and costs can be saved. For example, it is provided in this case that the restraint device, that is to say for example lever connections or the like of the restraint device, are screwed and/or riveted and/or pinned to the lower section.

Furthermore, it is preferred according to the invention that the restraint device has a locking means, wherein the locking means is preferably provided in a movable manner by means of the movement of the positioning element, wherein, in particular, the locking means has a slot and a bolt, wherein the bolt has an axial first section with reduced diameter, and an axial second section with enlarged diameter, and wherein an axial movement of the bolt is provided for bringing about the locking. For example, it is possible according to the invention that a drag lever on its end opposite the positioning element is guided in a housing which accommodates a multiplicity of spring-loaded latching bolts which in the retracted position of the positioning element press upon the drag lever. As soon as the drag lever has extended far enough in the direction of the extended position of the positioning element, one of the latching bolts locks the return movement of the drag lever. By a multiplicity of such latching bolts a multiplicity of engaged positions can be defined. This is especially advantageous in case (on account of malfunction of the actuating means or on account of the particular situation of a seat occupancy for example by an abnormally large or an abnormally small person as the seat occupant) a movement of the positioning element into its furthermost extended position is not carried out. A further embodiment variant of the restraint device for alternative realization of a locking means, according to the invention can provide a slot with a starting section and with an end section, wherein a bolt, which is moved together with the positioning element, engages in the slot, wherein the bolt in the inactive position of the restraint device is located in the starting section of the slot, and in the active position of the restraint device is located in the end section of the slot, and wherein the shape of the slot is configured in such a way that at least in the (fully) activated position, or active position, of the restraint device a reverse movement of the positioning element or of the bolt is prevented. In this case, the slot, according to a further variant of the locking means, can have for example a curvature or a bend point in such a way that the bolt which is moved with the positioning element can no longer be moved back into the starting section, or such a reverse movement is highly improbable, on account of the force ratios which exist in an accident situation. Furthermore, in a further variant an operating cam, also with a starting section and an end section for a bolt, can be provided instead of the slot, wherein the operating cam has a recess in the end section in such a way that the bolt which is moved with the positioning element likewise can no longer be moved back into the starting section, or such a reverse movement is highly improbable, on account of the force ratios which exist in an accident situation. In this case, it can preferably be provided that the element or component which features the operating cam is spring-preloaded in the direction of the inactive position. In the case of the embodiment variants with a slot, it can be advantageously provided in the same way that the element or component which features the slot is spring-preloaded in the direction of the inactive position. Furthermore, in a further variant, a slot, in a way in which it is configured in the style of a keyhole, can be formed with a starting section which has a reduced clear opening, and an end section which has an enlarged clear opening, in such a way, and interacting with a bolt, that the bolt has a smaller diameter in a first axial section and interacts with the starting section, and that the bolt, upon reaching the end section of the slot (which is to be carried out during a movement of the positioning element in the direction of the active position), with a second axial section of the bolt, which has a larger diameter, is pressed into the end section on account of a spring-pretensioning of the bolt. In a further embodiment variant of the restraint device, for alternative realization of a locking means, according to the invention the positioning element can interact with the upper section, especially with holes or recesses, in such a way that upon reaching the active position a reverse movement of the positioning element is prevented. According to the invention, it is furthermore provided that partial aspects of the different variants of the restraint device with a locking means can be combined with each other. In this way, for example the last-mentioned variant (holes or recesses in the positioning element) can be combined with the other variants.

Further subjects of the present invention relate to a restraint device according to the invention for a vehicle seat, and also to a method for producing a vehicle seat according to the invention, wherein in a first step the supporting structure of the vehicle seat is produced, and wherein in a second step the restraint device is connected to the padding support. As a result of this, it is especially possible that the complete production steps for producing the structural elements of the vehicle seat, for example the frame of the seat, the frame of a back section, the sub-construction of the seat section and the like, are carried out in the first production step and for example are undertaken in the factory of the seat section manufacturer. The integration of the restraint device into the vehicle seat, or with the seat section of those vehicle seats which are to be equipped with the restraint device, can then be undertaken in a production plant in the proximity of the final production of the vehicle seat or of the vehicle in which the vehicle seat is to be installed, wherein for this installation of the restraint device in the vehicle seat according to the invention there are significantly lower equipping requirements and furthermore significantly less qualification requirements of the employees who carry out the installation than for the production of the structural elements of the vehicle seat for which for example the production of welded joints is necessary.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a side view of a vehicle seat according to the invention, and also shows a perspective view of a seat pan or of a padding support of a seat section of a vehicle seat according to the invention with a partially sectioned view of a restraint device according to the invention.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a perspective view of a seat pan or of a padding support of a seat section together with the seat side sections of the seat section of the vehicle seat according to the invention with a view of the restraint device according to the invention.

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b schematically show perspective views of different embodiments of a padding support of a seat section together with the seat side sections of the seat section and the restraint device.

FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically show in perspective view a seat pan or a padding support of a vehicle seat according to the invention with an embodiment of the restraint device in its inactive position (FIG. 3) or in its active position (FIG. 4).

FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c shows embodiment variants of the restraint device in side view or in perspective view.

FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 7 a schematically show in side view in each case a detail of the restraint device according to the invention with in each case an embodiment of an energy dissipation means.

FIG. 8 schematically shows in side view a detail of the restraint device according to the invention with a further embodiment of a positioning element.

FIGS. 9 a, 9 b, 9 c, 9 d, 9 e, 9 f, 9 g, 9 h, 9 i, 9 j, 9 k and 9 l show embodiment variants of the restraint device in perspective view.

In FIG. 1 (in the left-hand part of the figure), a side view of a vehicle seat 10 according to the invention is schematically shown. The vehicle seat 10 comprises a seat section 30 and also as a rule a back section which is not provided with a designation. According to the invention, the seat section 30 especially has a frame-like structure with at least two seat side sections 31 on the sides. Inside this frame-like structure the seat section 30 has a seat pan 34 or a padding support 34. A padding 33 or a seat cushion 33 is connected to the seat pan 34 or to the padding support 34. The seat section 30 is connected to the floor sub-assembly 16 of the vehicle interior or to the body structure 16 of the vehicle by means of a seat substructure 15. By means of the seat substructure 15 it can be provided according to the invention that the complete vehicle seat 10 is connected in a longitudinally adjustable and/or vertically adjustable and/or inclinably adjustable manner. For this purpose, in the left-hand part of FIG. 1 the seat substructure is shown as outlined links which by rotating or pivoting can bring about a corresponding seat setting. The padding 33 has a seat surface 32 upon which a user of the vehicle seat 10, or an occupant of the vehicle, or a passenger can be seated. According to the invention, it is provided in an especially preferred manner that the seat pan 34 or the padding support 34 together with the padding 33 and the seat surface 32 is provided in a vertically and/or inclinably adjustable manner in relation to the rest of the seat section 30.

The seat section 30 of the vehicle seat 10 according to the invention for example can be provided as a two-times, or four-times, or six-times, or eight-times, or multiply adjustable substructure, as a result of which for example the seat height and/or the seat inclination and/or the seat longitudinal adjustment and/or the seat length setting (thigh support length) can be set. The padding support is shown in the figures largely as a separate and one-piece seat pan 34 or as a corresponding padding support 34, but can also be provided as a split padding support 34 or a corresponding seat pan 34, as can be seen with reference to the examples of embodiment variants of a padding support 34 which are shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b. A single structural component or a multiplicity of structural components of the seat section are especially understood as a padding support, which are at least adjacent to a padding of the seat or are provided in the proximity of such a padding, for example approximately at a maximum distance of about 10 mm from such a padding, and wherein such a padding is carried, or supported or retained, by the padding support or by its components. As a padding support, in this case for example a continuous padding support (cushion pan or seat pan) (FIG. 1), or a split seat pan, or split seat bucket (FIG. 1 a), are a possibility, or even structural elements such as tubular or open stiffening elements (FIG. 1 b) as part of the padding support.

According to the invention, a restraint device 20 is arranged between the padding support 34 and the seat surface 32, by means of which a submarining of the user of the vehicle seat 10 in the case of an accident-induced deceleration can be avoided or reduced. The restraint device 20 is provided as an active anti-submarining device and according to the invention is especially preferably designed as a so-called add-on element which can be selectively integrated into the vehicle seat 10 or not (depending upon equipping wishes of the customer or the specifications of the manufacturer). Such an active anti-submarining device component can offer an essential contribution to the improvement of occupant protection in the case of a head-on crash. The unit can preferably be installed as an add-on element in almost all front seats and also rear seats. In this case, the restraint device 20 can be especially preferably integrated into the vehicle seat 10 in a so-called JIT workshop (just-in-time workshop), i.e. in comparatively close proximity to the final assembly of the vehicle or of the complete seat module, by only a fastening of the restraint device 20 on the padding support 34 being carried out, for example via a known fastening technique such as clipping, screwing, riveting, adhesive fastening or the like. In this case, it is especially advantageous that preferably no welding operations whatsoever arise and also no modifications to structural components of the seat section 30 at all are necessary. Furthermore, according to the invention it is especially advantageous that an identical seat pan 34 or an identical padding support 34 can be used both for a vehicle seat 10 with the restraint device 20 and for a vehicle seat 10 without the restraint device 20. As a result of this, the production costs for such vehicle seats 10 can be significantly reduced or the logistical additional expense for a flexible use of the restraint device 20 on any such vehicle seats is greatly reduced.

In the right-hand part of FIG. 1, a perspective view of a seat pan 34 or of a padding support 34 of a seat section 30 of a vehicle seat 10 according to the invention is schematically shown, with a partially sectioned view of a restraint device 20 according to the invention.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a perspective view of a seat pan 34 or of a padding support 34 of a seat section 30 together with the seat side sections 31 of the seat section 30 of the vehicle seat 10 according to the invention, with a view of the restraint device 20 according to the invention. Also, a part of the seat substructure 15, which in this case is designed as an adjusting linkage for height adjustment and/or inclination adjustment of the vehicle seat 10 and is connected to the seat side sections 31, is apparent from FIG. 2.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show schematically and sectioned in perspective view the seat pan 34 of the vehicle seat 10 according to the invention with an embodiment of the restraint device 20 in its inactive position 21 (FIG. 3) or in its active position 22 (FIG. 4). It is apparent that in the embodiment of the restraint device 20 which is shown this has a housing consisting of an upper shell 46 and a lower shell 45. The housing of the restraint device 20 for example can comprise a steel material, an aluminum material, a magnesium material, a plastic material, or a combination of such materials. It is also apparent that in the active position 22 (FIG. 4) the upper shell 46, by means of an actuating means 23, is extended upwards, i.e. towards the seat surface 32 (which, however, is not shown in FIG. 4). As a result of this, the pelvic bone (or the ischium hump), which is not shown, of a seat user experiences a greater resistance particularly at an earlier point in time in the case of a head-on collision so that a submarining of the pelvis or of the hips of the user (forward displacement (displacement in the X-direction) of the so-called H-point or hip-point) can be avoided or its likelihood or extent significantly reduced. As a result of this, knee airbags which are preferably arranged in the dashboard and/or measures for belt tightening can advantageously be dispensed with or reduced. According to the invention, this can be especially advantageous particularly for 3-door vehicles.

For the positioning of the upper shell 46 of the restraint device 20 this comprises a positioning element 24, which in FIGS. 3 and 4 is shown only as a lever, which is driven by the actuating means 23. In this embodiment of the restraint device 20 the positioning element 24, during the movement between the inactive position 21 of the restraint device 20 and the active position 22 of the restraint device 20, is rotated or pivoted around an essentially horizontal rotational axis (extending parallel to the seat surface 32). As a result of this, the positioning element 24 is adjusted from a retracted position 21′ which corresponds to the inactive position 21 of the restraint device 20 into an extended position 22′ which corresponds to the active position 22 of the restraint device 20 so that the upper shell 46 is extended and, as a result of this, according to the invention a relatively large impact surface for the pelvic region of a user in an accident situation is provided. An alternative embodiment of the positioning element 24 is an essentially plate-form configuration of the positioning element 24. A positioning element 24 which extends in an essentially flat manner corresponds to an essentially plate-form configuration of the positioning element 24, wherein such an element for example is at least twice as long (as a rule oriented approximately in the Y-direction) as it is wide (as a rule oriented approximately in the X-direction in its inactive position), and has a depth of at most a third of its width. Alternatively to such an essentially plate-form element as a positioning element, it can also be provided according to the invention that a tube with a plate welded on or another structural element of the restraint device 20 serves as a positioning element 24.

The positioning element 24, according to the invention in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 4, is rotatably or pivotably connected to the lower shell 45 or connected directly to the padding support 34. This last-mentioned alternative connection of the positioning element 24 is especially advantageous when the lower shell 45 is not present. The connection of the positioning element 24 to the lower shell 45 and/or to the padding support 34 can especially be provided by means of one, or by means of two, or by means of three bearing points, or even by means of more than three bearing points. Two bearing points are advantageously provided on the lateral ends of the positioning element 24 (in the Y-direction).

According to the invention, the positioning element 24 and/or the upper section 46 can preferably have a plurality of material zones for bringing about a predetermined deformation behavior or an energy dissipation behavior. In this connection, different material zones in particular have a different deformation behavior. Alternatively or cumulatively, the positioning element 24 and/or the upper section 46 is/are provided in an at least partially reversibly deformable manner, wherein the positioning element 24 preferably has a shock absorber or a gas-pressure damper. By this means, a different deformation behavior can be realized for accident situations of differing severity or for different forces to be transmitted between the user of the vehicle seat and the vehicle seat. For example, the deformation of the positioning element 24 can be provided in a predetermined and at least partially reversible manner by means of a gas-pressure damper, and the deformation of the upper section 46 can be provided in an at least partially reversible manner by means of elastic deformation.

Alternatively to a positioning element 24 which is rotatable around an essentially horizontal rotational axis, it is also possible according to the invention, and schematically shown in FIG. 8 based on an alternative embodiment of the positioning element, that the positioning element 24 is rotatable around an essentially vertical rotational axis (essentially perpendicularly vertical on the seat surface 32), or is rotatable at least in parts. In this case, the positioning element 24 for example has two reciprocating pistons which are especially cup-like in design and have a spiral pin-and-slot guide and also are rotatable relative to one another and during a rotation execute an axial extending movement along for example the common center axis. Alternatively to a rotation around a common center axis an eccentric rotation of the one reciprocating piston relative to the reciprocating piston or relative to another reciprocating piston can be also be provided. As a result of this, the installation space which is required for the restraint device 20 and also the weight can be reduced. Locking of the positioning element 24 in the extended position can be realized via a preferably asymmetrical toothing (as locking means 25) between the two parts which are rotatably arranged in relation to each other. Furthermore, an energy dissipation behavior of a positioning element 24 which is provided in this way can be brought about relatively simply by arranging in the central region of the reciprocating pistons which are designed like cups either a shock absorber element, or a gas-pressure damper, or a deformation material such as a metal foam, a honeycomb structure, or a similar material which dissipates energy in the case of a deformation. In the case of the third embodiment of the positioning element 24, two or more reciprocating piston units can also be provided.

Alternative embodiment variants of the restraint device 20 are shown in FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c, and also in FIGS. 9 a, 9 b, 9 c, 9 d, 9 e, 9 f, 9 g, 9 h, 9 i, 9 j, 9 k and 9 l, in side view or in perspective view as the case may be.

In FIG. 4 a, a variant of the restraint device 20 with a variable connection of the upper section 46 is shown in side view. The variable connection of the upper section 46 of the restraint device 20 is realized in the region facing away from the positioning element 24 by means of a lever 101 which in the initial position (inactive position of the restraint device 20) is adjusted or pivoted towards the positioning element 24. During an activation of the restraint device 20, both the lever 101 and the positioning element 24 are rotated in the opposite rotational direction, wherein the upper section 46 is raised or positioned both in the region of the positioning element 24 (front) and in the region of the padding support 34 which faces away from the positioning element 24, as a result of which a particularly good restraining action is achieved. When activating the restraint device 20, a pin 102 of the positioning element is also moved in the X-direction inside an elongated hole 103. Such an elongated hole 103 can be designed with latching recesses which together with the pin 102 form an example for a locking means 25. In one variant of the restraint device 20, which is not shown, the upper section 46, as in FIG. 4 a, is variably connected by means of the lever 101, but the lever in the inactive position is adjusted in a manner in which it is rotated in the direction away from the positioning element 24, and in the region of the positioning element 24 there is no elongated hole 103 but a simply pivotable bearing of the upper section 46 so that the lever 101, the upper section 46 and the positioning element 24 form a four-bar linkage. As a result of this, an optimization of the installation space can be effected. The four-bar linkage kinematics (or corresponding kinematics with variable connection of the upper section 46 corresponding to FIG. 4 a), compared with the embodiment which is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, has the advantage that the upper shell 46 of the housing of the restraint device 20 is also raised in the rear region. This can contribute to an improved restraining functionality. Such four-bar linkage kinematics (or corresponding kinematics with variable connection of the upper section 46 corresponding to FIG. 4 a) according to the invention can be arranged both parallel to the direction of travel and transversely to it, or even diagonally to it.

In FIGS. 4 b (inactive position) and 4 c (active position), a further variant of the restraint device 20, with the upper section 46, which in the case of this variant is linearly movable essentially in only outlined linear guides and which during its linear or at least essentially linear movement positions the positioning element 24, is shown in perspective view. In this case, the upper section 46 is driven by the actuating means 23, which for example is provided as a helical spring, or another form of actuating means 23 is provided, for example a pyrotechnically operating linear actuator.

The actuating means 23 can preferably be designed according to the invention as a pyrotechnic unit, or as a pyrotechnic actuator, preferably a linear actuator. According to the invention, however, it is alternatively or cumulatively also possible that the actuating means 23 is designed as a spring-preloaded element (with mechanically stored actuating energy), or is designed as an electromagnetic unit. In this case, it is especially advantageously provided according to the invention that the effective direction of the actuating means 23, despite the relatively close arrangement of the actuating means 23 in relation to the user of the vehicle seat 10, at no time is directed towards the user, or to sensitive body parts of the user (such as the torso or the pelvic region). As a result of this, the risk of injury, for example in the case of a material defect, can be significantly reduced. The effective direction of the actuating means 23 can be provided according to the invention either essentially parallel to the direction of the vehicle or else be established transversely to it, or even be established diagonally to it.

According to the invention, a locking means (not illustrated) can be fastened to the positioning element 24, in particular to the upper end thereof. Such a locking element is preferably provided, according to the invention, to ensure a good protection function of the restraint device 20 such that during an actuation of the actuating means 23 the system is immediately locked against a movement back into the inactive position 21 by means of the locking means. As a result of this, a maximum possible protection action in all conceivable situations is achieved even when the actual fully extended end position of the restraint device 20 is not reached.

According to the present invention, the restraint device 20 has, in the region of the positioning element 24 and/or in the region of the upper section 46 (or of the covering 46 or of the housing cover 46), a deformation element as the energy dissipation means. For this purpose, for example, the upper shell 46 which is set in the active position 22 of the restraint device 20 (i.e. extended) can be configured in such a way that the forces on the pelvis of the occupant, which occur during the head-on crash and arise as a result of the impacting of the occupant upon the seat pan 34, or seat shell 34, or padding support 34, or as a result of the impacting of the occupant upon the upper shell 46 are noticeably reduced by directed energy absorption of, for example, the upper shell 46 itself. Furthermore, the positioning element 24 in its structure can also be provided in such a way (for example by plates, foams of any type, honeycomb constructions or the like) that the forces which occur (at maximum), especially the pelvic forces, are reduced. Furthermore, it is also possible according to the invention for a further deformation element to be provided in a region of the restraint device 20, which region does not belong to the positioning element 24 or to the upper section 46.

In FIGS. 9 a, 9 b, 9 c, 9 d, 9 e and 9 f, two further variants of the restraint device 20 in the active position (FIGS. 9 b, 9 c, 9 e and 9 f), or in the inactive position (FIGS. 9 a and 9 d), are shown in perspective view. In this case, a slot 80 is arranged in a locking lever 84 which is arranged at the side. The slot 80 has a starting section 81 and an end section 82. A bolt 85, which is movable with the positioning element 24, engages in the slot 80 and during a movement into the active position of the restraint device 20 is moved along the slot 80 from the starting section 81 in the direction towards to the end section 82. The shape of the slot 80 is now configured in such a way that a reverse movement of the positioning element 24 or of the bolt 85 at least in the (fully) activated position or active position 22 of the restraint device 20 is prevented. The difference between the embodiment variant which is shown in FIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 9 c and the embodiment variant which is shown in FIGS. 9 d, 9 e and 9 f is based essentially in the shape of the slot 80, wherein the embodiment variant according to FIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 9 c has a more bent shape of the slot 80 while the embodiment variant according to FIGS. 9 d, 9 e and 9 f has a more curved shape of the slot 80. The locking lever 84 in this case can be pretensioned or spring-preloaded in the direction of its position which corresponds to the inactive position.

According to a further embodiment variant of the locking means 25, which is shown in FIGS. 9 g (inactive position) and 9 h (active position), instead of the slot 80 (according to the previously described embodiment variant) an operating cam 80′, also with a starting section and an end section 82′ for the bolt 85, is provided, wherein the operating cam has a recess in the end section in such a way that the bolt 85, which is moved with the positioning element 24, can also no longer be moved back into the starting section, or such a reverse movement is highly improbable, on account of the force ratios which exist in an accident situation. The locking lever 84 in this case can also be pretensioned or spring-preloaded in the direction of its position which corresponds to the inactive position.

According to a further embodiment variant of the locking means 25, which is shown in FIGS. 9 i (inactive position) and 9 j (active position), the slot 80 is formed with a starting section 81 which has a reduced clear opening, and an end section 82 which has an enlarged clear opening, in such a way that the bolt 85 has a smaller diameter in a first axial section 85′ and interacts with the starting section 81, and that the bolt 85, upon reaching the end section 82 of the slot 80 (which is to be carried out during a movement of the positioning element 24 in the direction of the active position 22), is pressed with a second axial section 85″ of the bolt, which has a larger diameter, into the end section 82 on account of an axial spring-pretensioning of the bolt due to a spring element 86.

According to a further embodiment variant of the locking means 25, which is shown in FIGS. 9 k (active position) and 9 l (inactive position), it is provided that the positioning element 24 interacts with the upper section 46, especially with holes or recesses 46′ in the upper section 46, in such a way that upon reaching the active position 22 a reverse movement of the positioning element 24 is prevented. In this case, it is especially provided that the positioning element 24 has locking lugs 24′″ for engaging in the recesses 46′ of the upper section. Furthermore, it can be additionally provided that the upper section 46 has a stop for limiting the positioning movement of the positioning element 24, for example an adapted flange.

FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 7 a each schematically show in side view a detail of the restraint device 20 according to the invention with an embodiment of an energy dissipation means of this type, wherein the lower section 45, the upper section 46, the positioning element 24 and the actuating means (merely indicated by a dashed line) are shown schematically.

In the embodiment of the energy dissipation means or of the deformation element according to FIG. 5, an energy dissipation means of this type is provided in the form of a deformation element which is designed as a first material region 24′ within the positioning element 24. In this case, the first material region 24′ is, for example, a material region which is designed such that it can be compressed to a lesser or greater extent than a second material region 24″ of the positioning element 24. According to the invention, this can take place, for example, by the first material region 24′ being provided with a different material than the second material region, namely a material which is softer in relation to plastic deformation. A similar effect is brought about, according to the invention, by a different material structure within the first material region 24′ than the second material region 24″. By this means, it is possible, for example, for the positioning element 24 to be compressed in the first material region 24′ upon application of force due to an acceleration force of a seat user in an accident situation (indicated by an arrow F in FIG. 5) such that, during the accident, kinetic energy is converted by plastic deformation of the first material region 24′, and therefore smaller forces or smaller peak values of the force act on the user and on the rest of the seat structure, as a result of which the user's health is protected and the loading of the seat structure is reduced, and therefore the latter can be designed more cost-effectively. As an alternative, it is also possible according to the invention for a plurality of material regions 24′, 24″ to be provided within the positioning element 24 such that, in a first accident phase, the first material region 24′ is deformed, with the second material region 24″ being deformed in a second accident phase (for example due to the action of a greater force). By this means, it is possible for a graduated deformation behavior of the deformation element 24′, 24″ to be realized, said deformation behavior reacting particularly easily and flexibly to different accident situations and force ratios (for example caused by users of differing height and weight and by different sitting positions of the same prior to the accident). Such a plurality of material regions 24′, 24″ can be provided, for example, in the form of a combination of steel and aluminum or in the form of a combination of magnesium and aluminum.

FIG. 6 schematically shows in side view an embodiment variant of the deformation element in the form of a shock absorber 51 or gas-pressure damper 51. This permits a partially reversible movement, i.e. springing-back movement, of the positioning element 24 on account of an accident-induced loading situation.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment variant of the deformation element as a deformation element which is connected to the upper section 46 (or is provided as part of the upper section 46) and is denoted by the reference number 52. In the event of a force acting on the upper section 46 on the part of the user, the upper section 46 can firstly be deformed itself (not illustrated) and can secondly be pressed downward by compression of the positioning element 24 (for example as per the embodiment according to FIG. 5 or 6), as a result of which the deformation element denoted by the reference number 52 is plastically deformed. As an alternative thereto, as another embodiment of a deformation element, an elongated hole 53 with a shearing web (not illustrated in detail) which normally inhibits the movement of a bearing element (here, for example, a bolt) can be formed. In the event of an accident, a web of this type is deformed by impact.

FIG. 7 a merely shows the positioning element 24 in a sectional illustration, the positioning element 24 being shown as being constructed (in the example shown) from two parts which are connected to each other by a spring element as the energy dissipation means or energy storage means.

It is likewise provided according to the invention that the embodiment variants according to FIG. 5 and/or according to FIG. 6 and/or according to FIG. 7 and/or according to FIG. 7 a are combined with one another. It is thereby possible to react particularly flexibly to different loading situations.

FIG. 8 schematically shows in side view a detail of the restraint device 20 according to the invention with a positioning element 24 which is at least partially rotatable about a rotational axis essentially perpendicularly vertical with respect to the seat surface. In the case of the cup-like cylinder elements which are rotatable spirally relative to each other, a deformation element in the form of a material region 24′, 24″ or else in the form of a shock absorber 51 or in the form of a spiral spring or in general in the form of a spring element can be provided in the central region. In the embodiment of the locking means 25, which is schematically shown in FIG. 8, an asymmetrical toothing 41 is provided between the two telescopically inter-engaging cylinder elements which together form the positioning element 24. In this case, the asymmetrical toothing 41 is designed in such a way that an extending movement of the cylinder elements is possible, but no reverse movement. According to a variant of this embodiment of the locking means 25, which is not shown, it is provided that a pin slot guide, or pin guide track, which is spirally arranged in the region of the circumference of the cylinder elements, in its end section which corresponds to the active position (extended cylinder elements) has a reduced pitch which in the event of a release of the restraint device 20 leads to the prevention of the movement into the inactive position of the restraint device.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

-   10 Vehicle seat -   15 Seat substructure -   16 Floor sub-assembly -   20 Restraint device -   21 Inactive position -   21′ Retracted position -   22 Active position -   22′ Extended position -   23 Actuating means -   24 Positioning element -   24′, 24″ Material regions of the positioning element as the     deformation elements -   30 Seat section -   31 Seat side sections -   32 Seat surface -   33 Padding/seat cushion -   34 Seat pan/padding support/seat bucket -   45 Lower shell -   46 Upper shell -   51 Shock absorber/gas-pressure damper as the deformation elements -   52 Material region as the deformation element -   53 Elongated hole as the deformation element -   80 Slot -   80′ Operating cam -   81 Starting section -   82 End section of the slot -   82′ End section of the operating cam -   84 Locking lever -   85 Bolt -   85′ First axial section of the bolt (reduced diameter) -   85″ Second axial section of the bolt (enlarged diameter) 

1. A vehicle seat (10) comprising a seat section (30) and with a restraint device (20) for preventing submarining of a passenger on the vehicle seat (10) in the case of an accident-induced deceleration, wherein the restraint device (20) has a retracted inactive position (21), and wherein the restraint device (20) has an extended active position (22), wherein the seat section (30) has seat side sections (31) extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein the seat section (30) has a padding (33) which defines a seat surface (32), and a padding support (34) which is provided beneath the padding (33), wherein the restraint device (20) has a positioning element (24) between the padding support (34) and the padding (33) and is positioned at a distance from the seat side sections (31), and an upper section (46) between the positioning element (24) and the padding (33), and wherein one of the positioning element (24) and the upper section (46) has at least one energy dissipation element (24′, 24″, 51, 52, 53).
 2. The vehicle seat (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the restraint device (20) has a reversibly operating actuator arranged between the padding support (34) and the padding (33), or is supported between the padding support (34) and the padding (33), wherein the actuator (23) is designed to operate before the existence of an accident-induced deceleration.
 3. The vehicle seat (10) as claimed in claim 2 wherein the positioning element (24) is provided in a manner movable by the actuator (23), wherein the positioning element (24) is adjusted by the actuator (23) from a retracted position (21′) which corresponds to the inactive position (21) of the restraint device (20) into an extended position (22′) which corresponds to the active position (22) of the restraint device (20).
 4. The vehicle seat (10) as claimed in claim 3 wherein a rotation around an essentially horizontally extending axis is provided between the retracted position (21′) and the extended position (22′) of the positioning element (24), wherein the positioning element (24) is preferably provided as a generally planar element (24).
 5. The vehicle seat (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the rotation around the essentially horizontally extending axis is provided as a rotation in the direction of travel of the vehicle seat.
 6. The vehicle seat (10) as claimed in claim 1 wherein a rotation of at least one part of the positioning element (24) around an essentially vertically extending axis is provided between the retracted position (21′) and the extended position (22′) of the positioning element (24), and wherein the positioning element (24) is telescopically extendable.
 7. The vehicle seat (10) as claimed in claim 1 the positioning element (24) has a plurality of material zones (24′, 24″, 52) of a different material, wherein the different material zones (24′, 24″, 52) have a different deformation behavior.
 8. The vehicle seat (10) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the positioning element (24) comprises at least one of a shock absorber (51) and a gas-pressure damper (51).
 9. The vehicle seat (10) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the restraint device (20) has a deformation element.
 10. The vehicle seat (10) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the restraint device (20) has a locking device (25) provided in a movable manner by the movement of the positioning element (24), the locking device (25) having a slot and a bolt (85), wherein the bolt (85) has an axial first section (85′) with reduced diameter, and an axial second section (85″) with enlarged diameter, and wherein an axial movement of the bolt (85) is provided for bringing about the locking.
 11. A restraint device (20) for a vehicle seat (10) as claimed in claim
 1. 12. A method for producing a vehicle seat (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprising the steps of producing the supporting structure of the vehicle seat (10), and connecting the restraint device (20) to the padding support (34), by at least one of the following steps: by pushing on, and/or by sliding on and/or by clipping and/or by adhesive fastening and/or by screwing and/or by riveting. 